Hope Mills commits matching funds as it seeks PART grant for Heritage Park Phase 2

The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners on April 20 approved a resolution to apply for a North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PART) grant for Heritage Park Phase 2 and committed the town to provide the program’s required one‑to‑one non‑state match.

Parks staff described the project and explained that the town has packaged multiple grant opportunities to reduce how much general fund money would be needed. The board adopted resolution R2026‑00006, which affirms the town’s intent to submit a PART application, retain ownership of the project property, and provide the required matching funds if the grant is awarded.

Staff said the full project cost listed in the resolution is $267,614. Under PART rules a one‑to‑one match is required; the board committed the town to provide the corresponding non‑state match to meet PART program requirements. Parks staff described matching strategies that include combining grant awards and other program funds to reduce the town’s net cash contribution.

During discussion commissioners emphasized that the town will not begin construction phases that lack funding and noted past projects that stalled when matching funds were not in place. Parks staff said the town has not started construction‑level work for Heritage Park Phase 2 because construction funds have not been secured; the PART match, if awarded, would reduce the town’s required contribution and help move the project forward.

What happens next: staff will submit the PART application and pursue other grant matches outlined in the town’s CIP; if PART funds are awarded the town will be responsible for providing the non‑state match and for long‑term operation and maintenance of park facilities.